Taraji P. Henson opens up about her legacy

Taraji P. Henson is on the cover of Marie Claire‘s October 2017 “Next Big Thing” issue, and during her interview, she talked about her legacy as well as her work empowering other women in the entertainment industry.

Henson explained that she was well-aware of the eyes on her and that she hopes that those watching her will learn her story and be inspired.

“I love black people. I love telling stories. I want these little girls to study me like I tstudied Meryl [Streep] and Bette Davis and Carol Burnett,” the 47-year-old actress said. “I want them to study my work, because I put a lot of work in, a lot of blood, sweat and tears.”

But while Henson is willing to work hard and do what it takes to get ahead, she is never willing to step on other women in the industry to get there.

“I made a pact years ago that I would never hate on another female, ever, especially in this industry,” she said. “How can we get ahead if we’re feuding and hating on each other all the time?”

As for the possibility of dating, Henson is open to it, but her work is her priority.

“I would love to [be in a relationship], but he has to see how I move and deal with it, because I don’t have time to explain,” she explained. “I’ve got work to do.”